Tuesday, July 23rd, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Community Room
Recommended for ages 7 and up | Registration Required

Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady series, Hey, Kiddo and many other children’s books, is coming to Wallingford on his “Summah Readin’ Roadtrip“! He will talk about how he brings his stories to life, do a live drawing session, and answer questions. A book signing will follow.

Want to purchase a copy of one of JJK’s books for him to sign? There are two easy ways to do so that support local bookstores!

• Pre-order from High Five Books. JJK will sign the book(s) you purchase and bring it with him on the 23rd for you to pick up. Click here to purchase: https://www.highfivebooks.org/wallingford-public-library
• New Haven bookstore, Possible Futures, will have a table in our lobby on the night of the event with copies of his books to purchase.

Please be sure to individually register each person in your family who will be attending the event.

Friday, July 19th at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room
For grades 6-12
Registration required

Learn about the sailor’s art of scrimshaw in this hands-on program. Scrimshaw is an art form developed by 19th-century whalers as a pastime. These whalers would create decorative and elaborate carvings on materials they had readily available- whale bones and teeth.

A Mystic Seaport Museum educator will showcase examples of scrimshaw and then you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at creating scrimshaw art.

Tuesday, July 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room

Did you know that Connecticut has its own ‘Headless Horseman’ legend — a tale that pre-dates “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by 40 years? Emeritus Professor of English Kara LaBella will discuss Washington Irving’s famous work in relation to our own Farmington Valley story, revealing the similarities and differences between the two. She will explain how she researched the Canton legend to find the real people and places involved in a murder mystery, dating back to the Revolutionary War era. Did our state’s little-known tale actually influence one of the most beloved American ghost stories of all time? Come and decide for yourself!

From 5:45-6:45 p.m. that evening, The Wallingford Krampus will be making a special guest appearance at the library! Attendees are welcome to arrive early to take photos and pose with him.